Comparing different training methods to improve speed and ball skills in female soccer players
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN16744580 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN16744580 |
| ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) | Nil known |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | Nil known |
| Protocol serial number | IRB No. MJU-2022-10-001-02 |
| Sponsor | Myongji University |
| Funder | Investigator initiated and funded |
- Submission date
- 22/05/2025
- Registration date
- 29/05/2025
- Last edited
- 27/05/2025
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Other
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Female soccer players need to be fast and skilful with the ball. We wanted to find out which training method works best to improve speed and ball control skills.
Who can participate?
Female college soccer players aged 18-25 years with at least 5 years of soccer experience, who are healthy and currently playing for their university team.
What does the study involve?
Players were divided into three groups. One group trained by pushing a weighted sled while sprinting. Another group did regular sprint training without weights. The third group played small soccer games. All groups trained twice a week for 6 weeks. We measured their speed and ball skills before and after training.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Benefits include improved fitness and sports performance. Risks are minimal as these are normal training activities that soccer players regularly do.
Where is the study run from?
Myongji University, Seoul, South Korea, in collaboration with a university in China where the training took place.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
October 2022 to December 2023
Who is funding the study?
Investigator initiated and funded
Who is the main contact?
Prof. Buong-O Chun, tianbingwu@mju.ac.kr
Contact information
Public, Scientific, Principal investigator
Graduate School of Physical Education
Myongji University
116 Myongji-ro, Cheoin-gu
Yongin-si
17079
Korea, South
 ORCID ID |
0000-0003-3831-2328 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +82 (0)31 330 6302 |
| tianbingwu@mju.ac.kr |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Parallel-group randomized controlled trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Comparative effects of sled push-sprint, non-resistance sprint, and small-sided game training on speed, power, and dribbling performance in female college soccer players: a randomized controlled trial |
| Study acronym | SPSSSG-RCT |
| Study objectives | Sled push-sprint training will be more effective than non-resistance sprint training and small-sided games in improving explosive power, sprint performance, and dribbling abilities in female college soccer players. Different training methods will have distinct effects on various performance parameters due to training specificity principles. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 25/10/2022, Institutional Review Board of Myongji University (34, Geobukgol-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03674, Korea, South; +82 (0)2 300 1458; paper@mju.ac.kr), ref: MJU-2022-10-001-02 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Athletic performance/physical fitness |
| Intervention | This is a parallel-group randomized controlled trial with three arms comparing the effects of different training methods on performance parameters in female college soccer players. The study employed a pre-post intervention design with blinded outcome assessments over a 6-week training period. Computer-generated random number allocation was carried out using Microsoft Excel's random number generator function. Participants were randomly allocated to three training interventions over 6 weeks (twice weekly): 1. Sled Push-Sprint Training (SPS): Participants performed 20 m sprints while pushing a weighted sled (30% of body weight), 3 repetitions × 3 sets, with a 2-minute rest between repetitions and a 3-minute rest between sets. 2. Non-Resistance Sprint Training (NRS): Participants performed 20 m sprints without resistance, and the same volume and rest periods as the SPS group. 3. Small-Sided Games Training (SSG): Participants engaged in 4 v 4 soccer games on a 30 m × 20 m pitch, 4 games of 4 minutes each with 3-minute active recovery between games. All groups maintained regular soccer training throughout the study period. |
| Intervention type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
1. Sprint performance measured at 5, 10 and 20 m distances using timing photocells (Brower Timing Systems). Time frame: Pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 6 weeks). |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. T-test dribbling ability: Time to complete T-test course while dribbling a soccer ball. Time frame: Pre-intervention and post-intervention (6 weeks). |
| Completion date | 31/12/2023 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Healthy volunteer |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 20 Years |
| Upper age limit | 25 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Target sample size at registration | 33 |
| Total final enrolment | 29 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Female college soccer players with a minimum of 5 years of competitive soccer experience 2. Currently active members of the university soccer team 3. Participated in regular team training for at least the previous 6 months 4. Provided written informed consent for participation 5. No history of musculoskeletal injuries within the previous 6 months prior to the study 6. No medical condition that could affect ability to perform high-intensity sprint training 7. No regular participation in additional resistance training programs outside of team practice |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. History of musculoskeletal injuries within the previous 6 months prior to the study 2. Any medical condition that could affect ability to perform high-intensity sprint training 3. Regular participation in additional resistance training programs outside of team practice 4. Unable to provide written informed consent 5. Less than 5 years of competitive soccer experience 6. Not currently active members of the university soccer team 7. Did not participate in regular team training for at least the previous 6 months |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/11/2022 |
| Date of final enrolment | 30/11/2022 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- China
Study participating centre
No. 53 Gehu Road
Changzhou Jiangsu
Changzhou
213164
China
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| IPD sharing plan | Individual participant data will be made available to researchers upon reasonable request after publication of the main findings from Prof. Buong-O Chun (tianbingwu@mju.ac.kr). Data will be anonymized and provided in accordance with institutional policies and ethical guidelines. Requesters will need to provide a methodologically sound proposal and agree to data use terms that ensure participant privacy and confidentiality. |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
| Study website | Study website | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
27/05/2025: Study's existence confirmed by Myongji University Institutional Review Board.
